DOH Confirms Case Of Ebola Reston Among Monkeys

The Department of Health (DOH) today reports that cases of Ebola Reston Virus (ERV) among monkeys confirmed positive in the Philippines. These monkeys are held captive in a facility in the country. The Department of Agriculture together with DOH is currently tracing the possible source of the virus.

            Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto Garin explained that ERV can be transmitted to humans, without resulting into illness.  The threat to human health is likely to be low or none for healthy adults. In order to ensure the safety of the staff in the said facility, blood samples were collected from all employees and were sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine for ERV antibodies using ELISA or Enzyme Immunosorbent assay. The results yielded negative for ERV. While it does not cause any human illness, the DOH will continue to monitor the health status of the staff currently employed in the said facility.

            “Maraming klase ng Ebola. Meron Ebola na grabe ang epekto sa hayop ngunit hindi naapektuhan ang tao. This is a possible case of Ebola Reston. Ito ang pinakamabait na Ebola Virus sa tao.” Garin added.

“We call on the public not to panic as wrong information may lead to more harm than help in the community. Vigilance is still needed. Let us be pre-cautious, and adhere to the reminders given by the DOH. This is not something new and was present in the Philippines before. Allow us to emphasize that the present situation is limited to monkeys. Ang importante ito ay nakita, nalaman, at hinahanap ang pinanggalingan upang mapigilan ang pagkalat.” Garin concluded.

For those needing assistance and information on ERV, they can call anytime on the following telephone numbers: (02) 711-1001; (02)711-1002; 0922-884-1564; 0920-949-8419; 0915-772-5621.